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What’s the story?
In an interview with The Times Of India, Stephanie McMahon opened up on a myriad of topics.
McMahon asserted that Jinder Mahal’s run as the WWE Champion was incredibly interesting and successful not only in India but also with the rest of WWE’s global audience.
In case you didn’t know…
Jinder Mahal sent shockwaves throughout the professional wrestling community by defeating Randy Orton to win the WWE Championship at Backlash on May 21st last year.
Mahal held the title for several months, notching up multiple successful title defenses, before losing the WWE Championship to AJ Styles on the November 7th, 2017 episode of SmackDown Live.
The heart of the matter
Jinder Mahal’s reign as the WWE Champion received mixed reactions from the professional wrestling community the world over, as several fans & experts criticized the move—pointing out that there were worthier Superstars other than Mahal who could’ve been booked as WWE Champion during the time.
Nevertheless, WWE CBO (Chief Brand Officer) Stephanie McMahon emphasized that Mahal’s WWE Championship run was, in fact, an overall success for the WWE. Addressing the same, McMahon explained—
"I think his (WWE) Championship run was incredibly interesting and successful to our global audience and not just to India…If he became a bit of a hero in India as a result, well that is awesome too...Jinder of course is playing the antagonist here in the States. I think he was received as a homecoming hero when he performed live in India and whenever there is a local star there is significance to the audience there—our audience is so much bigger, it is global, so we have to entertain everyone."
What’s next?
Jinder Mahal, Rusev, Bobby Roode and the United States Champion Randy Orton will compete in a Fatal 4-Way match with the title on the line, at WrestleMania 34.
Meanwhile, Stephanie McMahon & Triple H vs. Ronda Rousey & Kurt Angle shall also be featured at WrestleMania 34 that airs from the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana on April 8th.
Author’s take
Stephanie McMahon is spot-on with her analysis of Jinder Mahal’s run with the WWE Championship.
Mahal is underrated, and his reign as WWE Championship will surely age well.
